News Release

Spring truck weight restrictions start in central frost zone

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Spring truck weight restrictions in the central frost zone will start Friday, March 16, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Winter load increases have ended and spring load restrictions are already in place in the south, southeast and metro frost zones.

Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and those state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.mndot.gov/loadlimits. Click on “seasonal load limits,” and then “spring load restrictions.” Also available is a text list of the restricted segments and exceptions to the map.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal.

Up to full-summer overweight permits can be issued during the spring load restriction period only on interstate through movements.

Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength.

For questions about the legal weight and size “heavy haul” trucking call MnDOT’s Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations department at 651-296-6000. For enforcement questions, call the State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement at 651-405-6196 and select Option 3 and then Option 3.

MnDOT will report dates on its 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, and locally at 651‑366‑5400 for the Minneapolis/St.Paul area.